Church urged to help tribal people integrate

A Jesuit social scientist is urging the Church in Jharkhand to help tribal people integrate with other communities for the sake of the eastern Indian state‚Äôs development.

The Church should take the lead in promoting unity amid diversity and bring justice, peace and development in Jharkhand, said Father Alex Ekka, who directs Xavier Institute of Social Science in Ranchi, the state capital.

Jharkhand was created for the advancement of tribal communities 10 years ago, but it still lacks development, governance, peace and prosperity, Father Ekka lamented at a recent symposium.

The February 4 program in Ranchi was part of the state‚Äôs commemoration of Pope John Paul II‚Äôs first visit to India 25 years ago.

Father Ekka in his keynote address on ‚ÄúSocial Concerns of Jharkhand‚ÄĚ said Church social teaching can play ‚Äúa significant role‚ÄĚ in providing political education and promoting sustainable development and communal harmony.

The Church, he said, has contributed immensely to the education of Jharkhand people, who now have self-dignity and social mobility.

‚ÄúThe People of Jharkhand now look up to the Church for empowerment and training in leadership,‚ÄĚ he added.